Goodbye Summer; Hello School

Supplies. Books. New teachers and backpacks. It's official: summer is over, and school is back.

I know many moms who feel this day could not have come soon enough. For me, the change is bittersweet. Don't get me wrong - I can't think of a day where for at least 10 seconds I haven't wanted to pull my hair out. Entertaining your kids and lacking structure can challenge even the strongest of us. But on the other hand, the lack of structure, the absence of alarm clocks and the simplicity of choosing each day for itself can be a thing of beauty.

When I had just a young baby, I remember hearing from others - you know, since everyone is always willing to give you unsolicited advice re: parenting - that when your kids get into school, the years fly by. They couldn't have been more right. And for me, each passing summer now means they are another year older, another grade higher.

School does amazing things for kids. Education is just the beginning; the other aspects that are taught and learned are, in my mind, irreplaceable. And ironically enough, as I write this, I've had my office door open 3 - scratch that, now 4 - times, my kids, of course. My little one was just requesting a kiss ... and for that matter, they can open my door and prolong summer for as long as they want. But for now, we'll say goodbye to the swimming pool and instead replace it with recess and after school activities, and save the fun for the weekends.

Good luck with sending your kiddos off and here's to a super school year!

Summer!

It's officially here ... and I personally couldn't be happier. Unfortunately I didn't completely forego my alarm clock as I had hoped; I'm still up by 6 a.m. but somehow not having to rush anyone out the door makes it easier on all of us.

When my husband got home last night at 8 p.m., I had 3 of the 4 kids in bed and was BEAT. But there's something so settling about having all of my kids home; I can't explain it, but I just feel balanced, like no one is missing. Did they make me a little nutty here and there? Of course. Did I want to hide in my closet for a few minutes? Maybe once or twice (I didn't do it). But enjoying the books, swimming with 3 of them late afternoon while the baby napped in the stroller, and watching a few minutes of Kate Plus 8 were all so enjoyable.

Summer break is what, 10 weeks? It's a "glass half full/half empty" type of thing. To me, 10 weeks is a really short time; I want to enjoy every minute of it. If it means getting up at 6 a.m. and pulling late nights to get my work done, they are all sacrifices I'm willing to make. Let's just hope this positive attitude continues!